Michael A. Farrell

Experienced litigator distinguished by effort and results

LocationSeattleWashington
Current roleAttorney AdvisorU.S. Coast Guard, Office of the Administrative Law Judge · since Jun 2023
Government service11yrsU.S. Coast Guard · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

About

Experienced litigator; known for putting extra effort into supporting adjudications by U.S. Coast Guard Administrative Law Judges. Adept at fostering professional relationships with supervisors, clients, colleagues, support staff, and key stakeholders. Proven expertise in administrative law, immigration law, and the Privacy Act, including the Freedom of Information Act. Distinguished for litigating matters in administrative forums, such as the Executive Office for Immigration Review, including the Board of Immigration Appeals and the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer all within the U.S. Department of Justice. Stellar record of delivering assistance on federal district court litigation involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Strong history of advising government clients on conducting investigations, guiding auditors within Homeland Security Investigations on employer sanctions investigations, and assisting Federal Housing Administration (FHA) underwriters in closing FHA loans. Expert in training and leading teams; organized training sessions for local staff and attorneys on a nationwide level. Track record of advising the Northwest Office of Native American Programs on audits and in-person reviews of different tribal grantees by acting as an attorney at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Articulate and refined communicator with exceptional leadership, negotiation, analytical, problem-solving, relationship-building, and decision-making skills.

Roles

Jun 2023–Present
Current role

Attorney Advisor

U.S. Coast Guard, Office of the Administrative Law Judge

Washington

Legal Services

Provides legal advice and written work product in support of adjudications by Coast Guard Administrative Law Judges.  Adjudications cover multiple subject matter areas involving several federal government agencies.  Responsible for performing all tasks associated with assisting adjudication such as case review, communicating legal advice, scheduling, and drafting orders and decisions.  Interface with parties when necessary to solve logical issues relating to hearings.  Review Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Appeals pending before the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and render written decisions constituting final agency action.  

Directly contributes to the adjudication of the following matters:

  • USCG Suspension and Revocation of Merchant Mariner Credentials,

  • Transportation Security Administration (TSA) denial and revocation of Transportation Worker Identity Credentials,

  • TSA denial and revocation of Hazardous Material Endorsements,

  • TSA denial and revocation of Airman Certificates and Aviation Worker Credentials,

  • TSA Civil Penalties.

  • Federal Employee Debt owed to DHS

  • Removal and debarment of Federal Employees

Sep 2019–May 2023
Former role

Assistant Chief Counsel

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Principal Legal Advisor

Washington

Facilitated U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as well as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services by delivering best-in-class legal advice and counseling service. Carried out a series of tasks associated with case reviews, litigation strategy, motions and briefs drafting, marshaling evidence, as well as appellate practice, including briefs. Liaised with private counsel on exercising DHS’ prosecutorial discretion. Litigated matters before the U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office of Immigration Review. Ensure compliance with the Privacy Act and the Violence Against Women Act requirements.

  • Thoroughly reviewed legal sufficiency labor exploitation complaints brought by Homeland Security Investigations.

    • Initiated settlement of all such cases and prepared for litigation before the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer.

  • Assisted the U.S. Department of Justice with managing immigration and general litigation matters involving DHS.

Aug 2015–Aug 2019
Former role

Attorney Advisor

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of General Counsel

Washington

Provided legal advice and counsel to six program clients within Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. Ensured compliance with statutes and regulations related to HUD’s Native American housing programs, including veteran supportive housing.

  • Delivered legal advice on Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured mortgages and several real property transactions comprising HUD insured and assisted properties.

  • Provided legal concurrence on Public Housing real property transactions.